Inspiring new events space will bring people together at the National Memorial Arboretum

Inspiring new events space will bring people together at the National Memorial Arboretum

02 November 2017

The Arboretum has been granted planning permission for a new events building to complement its new Remembrance Centre which was formally opened in early 2017 by HRH The Duke of Cambridge. The new building’s flexible event spaces and meeting rooms will be able to accommodate a wide range of events, and will replace a large marquee which was temporarily erected several years ago.

The Arboretum is part of The Royal British Legion and, alongside important national events on key dates, the site hosts hundreds of events for a wide range of third party organisations including banquets and luncheons, conferences, reunions and smaller meetings.

The new events space will provide modern amenities sought by event planners and the catering facilities will be capable of providing banquets for up to 300 people. A new bar area will provide a dedicated informal space for drinks receptions, registrations, break-out sessions and evening functions. The new revenue streams created by the event space will assist with securing the future sustainability of the Arboretum, ensuring that we remain a free to enter site.

Glen Howells Architects have designed the building to make extensive use of glazing. It features a rear terrace to allow guests in the building to admire the Arboretum’s landscape during events. The design concept also features light-coloured timber cladding and a crisp steel frame. Stepnell has recently been appointed as the main building contractor.

Sarah Montgomery, Managing Director, National Memorial Arboretum, said: “We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for our new events building. Our site has growing visitor numbers, and hosts over 200 events every year, including those attended by members of the Royal Family. This new flexible building, with extensive new facilities, will provide a modern event space to replace our existing events marquee.

“This is another gigantic step forward in the realisation of our Remembrance vision and this new space will complement our award-winning £16m Remembrance Centre which was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Cambridge in March 2017. New facilities are crucial to securing the long-term sustainability of the Arboretum, ensuring the site can serve as a focal point of Remembrance for future generations.”

You may also like

Service of Dedication at the Armed Forces Memorial

18 May 2015

A ceremony to remember and give thanks to those who gave their lives in the Service of their country...